According to general manager Bob Stokes, “The XL 105 absolutely has taken us to the next level. We used to be a half-size shop, but we now can compete with the full-size market. What’s most impressive to me is that if a job aqueous coats – and it’s probably safe to say that 60 percent of jobs these days are aqueous coated – there’s not another press that can compete with the XL 105, even if it’s an 8-color perfector with coating tower.” He adds that the XL 105’s larger format also has enabled the company to win more jobs by placing more up on a sheet. “And we don’t fight marking,” Stokes points out. “This truly is a markless press.”

In full production since the end of March, Abbott’s Speedmaster XL 105 is doing what it is supposed to do, Stokes adds, with a special nod to the integrated Inpress Control, which automatically measures and controls color and register on the fly at any speed.

“Inpress Control is phenomenal. We’re down to five-minute makereadies and fewer than 200 sheets of paper to come up to color. Our savings on paper makeready alone is more than enough to justify the cost of the scanner,” Stokes said. “In 36 years, I have never seen a piece of equipment like this with the capabilities and technology built into it to fully makeready a press sheet with no adjustments from the operator. And the Speedmaster XL 105 does it day in and day out. “

Simultaneous with the addition of the new Speedmaster XL 105, Abbott also installed an 8-up Suprasetter 105 CtP device to produce the 1800-2000 plates it runs each month on both the XL 105 and an existing Speedmaster CD 74 5-color perfector. The Suprasetter is equipped with multiple laser heads for additional speed. In Abbott’s bindery, a new Stahl TH 82 folder with full automation and gatefold attachment has earned Stokes’ admiration for makereadies that clock in at less than five minutes, with automatic adjustment of roller settings via electronic measurement of the substrate and buckle plate setting from the imposition library or retrieved from job memory.

“The device literally sets itself,” Stokes explains. “You preprogram the makereadies, and the TH 82 automatically sets the gaps and buckle plate distance – and gets it right on the first try!”

The company also operates a pair of standalone POLAR cutters, and uses a range of Heidelberg Saphira pressroom consumables, including blankets and wash-up cloths.

Established in 1977, family owned and operated Abbott Printing is a high-quality, full-service commercial printer with an in-house mailing facility. The company employs a staff of 53.

Find out more about the ultra-high-performance, ultra-productive Speedmaster XL 105. Click here.